The period of the Judges began after the death of Joshua and continued until the time of Samuel, which ushered in the monarchy. But the Book of Judges is not just a chronicle of the history of the Jewish people during this period. It records something of far greater significance: the relationship between the Jewish people, newly settled in the land, and the Lord. The period of the Judges is a dark one in Jewish history, with a recurring pattern of the Jews straying after the gods of the heathens, followed by divine chastisement. Since that time, God continued to care for and guide the Jewish people. But this is not always as obvious as it was in those early days. He hides His face, and we see neither the reward of righteousness nor the punishment of evil. We are liable to become confused, and doubt His own presence. The Me